Buzz
During the 1970s and 1980s, television advertising became obsessed with convincing consumers through blind taste tests. Viewers were encouraged to trust that the ads were honest as they were presented with two popular products, where one was typically proven to be a lesser choice. Take a look at some of the most unforgettable instances.
1. The Pepsi Challenge
A quintessential example of blind taste test commercials, the Pepsi Challenge involved participants tasting a soft drink labeled M (Pepsi) and one marked Q (Coca-Cola). Debuting in Texas in 1975 before expanding nationwide, the ads claimed Pepsi was the clear favorite among participants. In response, Coca-Cola launched its own version of the test, filling both cups with Coke but marking them M and Q. More people chose M, raising questions about the fairness of the test.
2. Choosy Moms Opt for Jif
Back in the 1970s, Jif peanut butter made its mark by surprising supermarket shoppers with jars placed right in front of them. Upon tasting, it seemed to win over their palates, sparking the famous slogan, 'Choosy Moms Choose Jif.'
Of course, other taste tests might offer different findings. In 1980, Judy Hill, a writer for Universal Press Syndicate, conducted a test where 10 people sampled Jif, Skippy, and Peter Pan to determine which most resembled the taste of fresh peanuts. Five participants preferred Skippy, three went for Jif, and two chose Peter Pan. Interestingly, none of them selected Jiffy, a non-existent brand often associated with the Mandela Effect.
3. Getting Blatzed
In 1977, Blatz Beer challenged beer lovers in Milwaukee to compare its product with Miller Lite. In the video, Cindy is asked to explain why she prefers Blatz after initially expressing loyalty to Miller Lite. The interviewer presses her, asking, 'What are you going to do now, Cindy?' Blatz won the taste test, and the company celebrated their victory for years.
4. Sealtest Ice Cream Parlor Challenge
In the 1970s, Sealtest challenged consumers to distinguish between supermarket ice cream and ice cream parlor treats. This test aimed to prove that Sealtest's ice cream could stand up against the hand-crafted varieties found at local shops. (However, Sealtest vanished after its parent company Kraft sold its ice cream division to Unilever in 1993.)
5. The Kraft Cheese Dominance
In the world of powdered cheese for boxed pasta, it's hard to argue that anyone but Kraft reigns supreme. In the early 1980s, Kraft solidified its position by conducting a taste test with 200 children. The results were clear—most preferred Kraft over the generic brand. No contest.
6. The Rise of Folgers Coffee
Folgers fooled consumers into thinking their freeze-dried instant coffee was just as flavorful as freshly brewed. In the 1980s, they even took the challenge to the upscale Tavern on the Green to prove their point. The reactions were truly eye-opening.
7. Sanka's Blind Taste Test
In the 1960s, Sanka pulled off one of the first public blind taste tests, where they surprised passersby with a mystery cup of coffee. After sipping, the testers were shocked to discover they had just tried Sanka’s mostly decaffeinated brew. Though a similar test in 1989 didn’t go as smoothly, after an investigation, General Foods USA, makers of Sanka, revealed the segment had been staged with actors, adding a ‘dramatization’ label to the ad.
8. Keebler’s Snack Showdown
Keebler’s clever strategy for promoting their Wheatables crackers over Wheat Thins involved using a cartoon elf as their mascot—but keeping the taste tests off-camera. The campaign claimed that people preferred Wheatables by a two-to-one margin.
9. Stirring Things Up in Canada
In the early 1980s, Ruffles took on the popular Canadian chip brand Hostess Chips, claiming victory in the taste test. Although the sample size was technically just one person, Ruffles insisted that hundreds of individuals participated and nearly two-thirds of them preferred Ruffles. This could mean one out of three, but hey, we'll take it.
10. Schlitz vs. Budweiser: A Beer Showdown
In 1981, Schlitz boldly declared their beer superior to Budweiser in an ad. ‘I thought Bud was better, but I’ve been proved wrong,’ one surprised drinker confessed. Schlitz's confidence led them to conduct what might have been the first live taste test on television, during halftime of an AFC playoff game. Of the 100 Budweiser loyalists who participated, 46 preferred Schlitz.
11. The Ketchup Taste Test
In 1989, Hunt's took on the reigning ketchup champion, Heinz, by challenging its dominance with a nationwide taste test. Hunt’s emerged as the preferred choice, but Heinz quickly countered with a claim that if you strained ketchup brands like Hunt’s and Del Monte, only Heinz would remain thick and not run. This was meant to highlight Heinz's superior consistency, though it’s safe to say most people don’t typically strain their ketchup.
